Gospel of Mark Bible Part 21: The True Family of Jesus [Bible Study]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
Bible Study Title: The True Family of Jesus – Defined by Obedience
Scripture Focus: Mark 3:31-35
Opening Prayer
Father, thank You for adopting us into Your family through Jesus Christ. Help us to live in obedience to Your will so we may be known as true members of Your household.
Introduction
In Mark 3, Jesus’ own family misunderstood His mission. When they arrived to see Him, He redefined what “family” truly means—not based on bloodline, but on obedience to God’s will. This teaching challenges cultural and even religious assumptions about what it means to belong to God’s people.
Bible Reading
Read Mark 3:31-35, then compare with Luke 8:19-21 and Matthew 12:46-50.
Section 1 – Jesus Redefines Family
His physical mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to see Him.
Jesus asks, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
He answers: “Whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35).
This shifts the focus from physical relation to spiritual obedience.
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think Jesus publicly made this statement instead of going to His family immediately?
How does this teaching help us understand what matters most in the Kingdom of God?
Section 2 – Doing the Will of the Father
Not everyone who claims “Lord, Lord” belongs to Him (Matthew 7:21-23).
Obedience, not just outward works or verbal profession, is the evidence of belonging.
“Lawlessness” (1 John 3:4) is willful sin that disregards God’s commands.
True family members are marked by repentance and faith in the gospel (Mark 1:15).
Reflection: How can we tell the difference between religious activity and genuine obedience to God?
Section 3 – The Blessing of a Spiritual Family
God as our Father – Hears our prayers (Matthew 6:6), provides for us (Matthew 6:30-33), forgives sins (Matthew 6:12), and delivers from evil (Matthew 6:13).
Jesus as our Brother – Calls us brethren (Hebrews 2:11-12), intercedes for us (Romans 8:34).
The Holy Spirit as our Helper – Strengthens us to live holy lives (Romans 8:12-15, 26-27).
Our spiritual family is vast – it includes believers in every generation (Ephesians 3:14-15) and will last for eternity (Romans 8:16-17).
Discussion Questions:
How have you experienced the blessings of your spiritual family?
Why is the spiritual family more enduring than our physical family?
Section 4 – Becoming Part of the True Family
Requires repentance and faith (John 1:12; Mark 1:15).
Requires being “born again” of water and Spirit (John 3:3-5).
Requires ongoing obedience to the will of God (Mark 3:35).
Our eternal inheritance is secure as members of God’s household (Revelation 21:1-7).
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to strengthen your obedience to God’s will?
Memory Verse
Mark 3:35 – “For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”
Closing Challenge
Physical relationships are temporary, but the true family of Jesus is eternal. Live daily in obedience to God’s will so that your life testifies to your place in His household. Encourage others to be born again into this eternal family.
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